The early life of singer Elvis Presley, from his musical beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, and Memphis Tennessee, to his unprecedented rise in fame in 1956. Following a string of hit records and memorable TV performances, Elvis becomes a movie star.

A string of lightweight movies in the 1960s stunts Elvis' musical growth and alienates many fans. The singer has a triumphant TV comeback in 1963. A grueling concert schedule and an increased reliance on prescription drugs takes a toll on Elvis.